The Legacy of East African Art
The Diawara & Schaffner Gallery preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of East African contemporary art through exhibitions, collections, research, education, and the Gallery Watatu archive.
Our Story
The People Behind the Legacy
Preserving the story
Help Complete Their Story
Do you have photographs, documents, letters, publications, or memories connected to Ruth and Adama? Become part of preserving their legacy.
This archive is growing because people like you help preserve the story.
This archive is growing
because people like you help preserve the story.
Every contribution
brings us closer to the full picture.
- Your contribution is valuable
- Shared securely
- Honouring their legacy together
The Legacy
Diawara & Schaffner Gallery was established to honour the extraordinary lives and enduring legacy of Adama Diawara and Ruth Schaffner …
Gallery Watatu
For more than four decades, Gallery Watatu stood as one of East Africa’s most respected centres for contemporary art.
The Archive
A Journey Through Gallery Watatu
Explore the people, exhibitions and moments that shaped the gallery and its place in East African art history.
1969 — Gallery Watatu is Founded
Gallery Watatu is established in Nairobi by artists Robin Anderson, Jony Waite, and David Hart. At a time when Kenya's contemporary art scene was still emerging, the gallery provided one of the country's first dedicated spaces for exhibiting modern African art and supporting local artists.
The Artists
Featured Artists
Voices of East African Art
Artists in Their Own Words
Featured video interviews and conversations with artists connected to the history and continuing story of East African art.
Video 01
Chris Interview 4 1
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News & Events
Raw Humanity and Social Realism: The Expressive Art of Chain Muhandi
Preserve the Legacy
Be Part of the Story
Support the preservation of East African art, history and the stories of
the artists who shaped it.